Sidney Crosby

VIDEO: Penguins visit children's hospital, learn about Pokemon

Published Dec. 18, 2015 10:23 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Pittsburgh Penguins may be struggling on the ice, but their generous nature was more than appreciated recently at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UMPC.

The team broke into groups, with defenseman Kris Letang taking the opportunity to get the early jump on captain Sidney Crosby and others. Letang offered 9-year-old Colin an autographed jersey with his larger-than-life signature nearly covering the crest of the jersey, much to the chagrin of Crosby.

Via PittsburghPenguins.com:

ICYMI: The #Pens made their annual trip to @ChildrensPgh and spent the day with some awesome kiddos. Take a look. https://t.co/c1Z5GlvRGT
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 18, 2015

Evgeni Malkin and fellow Russian forward Sergei Plotnikov received a lesson in the finer points of Pokemon from 9-year-old patient Jenna. Plotnikov wasn't out of the woods as he also was ribbed by his teammates after the 25-year-old admitted that he is a fan of the E! reality show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians."

“I think some of us wanted to sign it, too,” Crosby said while Letang looked on with an innocent grin.

The Penguins spent the afternoon giving away presents while also posing for photos and sharing stories. In return, the players received plenty of smiles on the faces of so many appreciative kids.